Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lake Worth Beach, FL

In 2019, the residents of Lake Worth voted to rename their city to Lake Worth Beach. Regardless of its name, this location is undeniably captivating.

Lake Worth Beach boasts a vibrant downtown that has revitalized after experiencing challenges during the late 20th century. Today, it offers international dining and a substantial artistic presence through galleries, cultural centers, and performance spaces.

Moreover, the Atlantic coastline significantly contributes to the allure of Lake Worth Beach. Visitors can enjoy miles of sandy shores alongside a delightful main beach park featuring a historic casino building dating back to the 1920s.

Between the beach and the city, the Lake Worth Lagoon is bordered by the century-old Lake Worth Beach Golf Club and hosts a Saturday morning farmers’ market.

Furthermore, the Snook Islands represent a collection of artificial islands that have rekindled wildlife presence in the lagoon at the city’s heart.

1. Downtown Lake Worth Beach

If Palm Beaches is regarded as Florida’s Cultural Capital, then downtown Lake Worth Beach serves as its bohemian nucleus.

Along the twin main streets of Lake Avenue and Lucerne Avenue, the downtown area showcases an array of galleries, live music venues, cultural spots, independent boutiques, and a truly diverse array of international cuisines.

From Cuban and Caribbean to Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian fusion, Peruvian, pizza, and American street food, the options are extensive.

Adorned in pastel shades, the entire district presents a charming aesthetic, enhanced by several examples of Art Deco architectural design.

What captivates me most about downtown Lake Worth Beach is its perpetual vibrancy, characterized by major annual festivals, outdoor concerts, exhibits, and an array of activities.

2. Lake Worth Beach Park

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Any visit to a coastal community in Florida is incomplete without ample beach time. Lake Worth Beach Park serves as an ideal location for this experience.

For a captivating natural display, it is advisable to dedicate at least one morning to early viewing of the sunrise at this location.

In addition to sunbathing, sandy expanses, and picturesque views, the beach at this park is fully accessible for wheelchair users. Weekends tend to be busier, but ample spacing exists on weekday afternoons.

The prominent feature of the park is the elegant 1920s Casino Building, which underwent renovations in the 2010s and now offers a variety of shops and dining options within its attractive arcade. A discussion of the iconic Lake Worth Pier will follow later in this article.

3. Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

One building that consistently draws my attention in downtown is the historic Lake Worth Theater. Emblematic of Streamline Moderne architecture, the theater was inaugurated in 1940 and later served as a gallery toward the end of the 20th century.

Reopened in 2012 as the headquarters for the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, this venue emphasizes Lake Worth Beach’s designation as a cultural center.

The gallery within is devoted to showcasing works by artists from Palm Beach County, providing visitors with a continuous stream of engaging exhibits.

This complex also hosts a schedule of live performances, including the Summer Concert Series and Evenings at the Council.

Whenever I pass by, I make it a point to visit the Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store, which features an assortment of local artist-made items, from postcards to fashion accessories.

4. Lake Worth Playhouse

Source: Lake Worth Playhouse / Facebook

A venue dedicated to live performances, the Lake Worth Playhouse presents a variety of entertainment options including Broadway musicals, tribute shows, dance productions, plays, and independent films. Although it has undergone name changes over time, the Playhouse originated in 1924.

A few years later, it was reconstructed in the Streamline Moderne style, marking it as one of the earliest examples of this architectural approach in the United States.

As a non-profit organization, the playhouse aims to foster the arts and encourage community participation.

This venue serves as an exceptional artistic resource for both local residents and tourists, and I recommend checking their event schedule prior to your visit to Lake Worth.

The property is also wheelchair accessible and provides seating accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

5. John Prince Park

Beyond the lagoon lies another significant body of water: Lake Osborne, located on the city’s western perimeter.

One can fully appreciate the lake at John Prince Park, which spans 726 acres and is managed by Palm Beach County. Established in the 1930s, this urban park is ideal for those seeking activity within Lake Worth Beach.

The park offers exercise equipment, an aquatic center, and facilities for golf, pickleball, tennis, volleyball, softball, basketball, and petanque.

Children can enjoy four playgrounds, one of which is entirely accessible without barriers. This park feature includes a 3,700-square-foot splash park equipped with ground-level water jets, arches, spray cannons, large animals, and shade structures.

I am particularly fond of this park on weekends when it is bustling with families enjoying picnics at the pavilions, cycling on the trails, or engaging in jet skiing on the lake.

6. Lake Worth Beach Farmers’ Market

From October through April, a farmers’ market featuring over 80 vendors operates in Lake Worth Beach. Located beneath the overpass at A1A and Lake Avenue, this market occurs on Saturday mornings from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

The Lake Worth Beach Farmers’ Market has been a local staple for nearly 20 seasons and operates rain or shine.

Visitors can find an array of offerings such as local produce, houseplants, cut flowers, raw honey, artisanal baked goods, imported olive oils, cheeses, fresh-roasted coffee, homemade soaps, candles, and much more.

All produce sold at the market is sourced from within a 150-mile radius of Lake Worth Beach.

With live music featured each week, I encourage you to come hungry, as the selection of prepared foods is excellent, ranging from gyros to empanadas and choripan.

7. Snook Islands Natural Area

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The Snook Islands Natural Area is situated within the Lake Worth Lagoon, nestled between the mainland and barrier island.

Once ecologically desolate, the area has experienced significant restoration in recent years. This group of man-made islands is encircled by a network of waterways. The oyster beds located here play a vital role in purifying the lagoon’s waters while attracting diverse wildlife.

Consequently, this previously barren expanse is now drawing various animal species, including numerous wading birds foraging in the shallows.

A long boardwalk, exceeding 500 feet in length, traverses the site, offering an immersive experience. To truly appreciate this ecological success, I recommend launching a kayak to explore the intricate channels.

8. Kayak Lake Worth

The estuarine saltwater ecosystem of the Lake Worth Lagoon deserves to be explored closely. The best approach to this is via a kayak excursion, provided by a family-owned company that offers tours and rentals.

The primary destination for paddlers is the Snook Islands, allowing for intimate observation of the mangroves and rich wildlife.

You can expect to encounter schools of fish while kayaking, as well as wading birds such as egrets and herons. Additionally, you are welcome to land and investigate the northern unprotected islands, although access to the southern islands is restricted.

One memorable experience was the Full Moon on the Lagoon Tour, where we witnessed the sunset and learned intriguing facts about the lagoon’s unique environment. Paddling in the glow of the full moon was an unforgettable experience.

9. Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

Another vibrant arts center in Lake Worth Beach, this venue is housed in a beautifully renovated train depot located only a few blocks from downtown.

In my view, it warrants a visit simply to appreciate the impressive 14,500-square-foot space, but there is much more to discover.

The primary focus is glassblowing, and visitors can stop by during regular hours to witness fascinating glassblowing demonstrations. The works of the artists are available for purchase and can be enjoyed in the gallery.

If you wish to engage directly with the art, you can participate in a class where you will collaborate with the artists to create your own unique piece of glass art, which can be retrieved the following day.

10. Lake Worth Cultural Plaza

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As its name suggests, Lake Worth Cultural Plaza is an open space designated as a gathering area, event venue, and cultural site.

The plaza features a large lawn and an outdoor stage that hosts a diverse array of events and live performances, especially busy during the fall and winter seasons when the Florida climate is ideal.

The historic City Hall Annex (1928) serves as the location for the Lake Worth Museum, which I found open on Wednesday and Friday afternoons during my visit.

I spent a few informative moments perusing the historical photographs of the city, a vintage hotel switchboard, preserved textiles, and various historic household items.

11. William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier

A picturesque setting for capturing sunrise photographs of the Atlantic, William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier has been in existence since 1960.

It has been a challenging journey for any pier in Florida, and this structure has endured the impact of numerous hurricanes over its more than 60 years. Notable storms including Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, and Irene have necessitated periodic closures and repairs since the early 2000s.

The 900-foot pier is a favored site for snook fishing. Given its storied past, it is not surprising that there is a $1 fee for access ($3 if you are fishing).

A delightful morning routine of mine involves greeting the sunrise and visiting Benny’s on The Beach for breakfast. This eatery, located at the base of the pier, has been a staple in Lake Worth since 1986.

12. Lake Worth Beach Golf Club

In Palm Beach County, you are never far from a golf course.

One particularly significant course is the Lake Worth Beach Golf Club, established in 1926 and aligned with the Lake Worth Lagoon.

The coastal views and refreshing breezes greatly contribute to the appeal of this track. Furthermore, it is noteworthy for its mature native trees, including numerous stately banyan trees.

The course layout features six doglegs and is relatively forgiving, making it accessible for novices, who can feel comfortable on the fairways. After your round, you might consider enjoying the scenic views at the Beach Club Bar and Grill.

13. Adventure Mini Golf

For a playful family outing, there exists a locally owned mini golf venue near John Prince Park. Adventure Mini Golf presents two 18-hole courses, beautifully landscaped with small lakes, rocky terrains, waterfalls, fountains, and tropical flora.

During my visit, I observed that all the greens and paths had recently undergone renovations. There are slight variations in difficulty between the two courses, yet both are guaranteed to amuse children.

A concession stand provides cold beverages, ice cream, and other treats. Picnic tables are available, and guests are welcome to bring snacks onto the course.

14. Lake Worth Street Painting Festival

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Each February, the streets of Lake Worth Beach transform into a vast canvas for over 600 skilled artists.

The Street Painting Festival has been held annually for 25 years and is one of the most distinctive events in the region, drawing thousands of visitors to the city.

The entire festival is free to attend, allowing attendees to wander from one extraordinary creation to the next.

Additionally, there are three stages featuring live performances, along with a Festival Food Court and Bistro. All the shopping and dining options downtown are easily accessible throughout the festival.

15. Lake Worth Beach Bonfires

On the first and third Fridays of every month from November to February, a delightful community event takes place at Lake Worth Beach.

The city hosts a bonfire on the beach directly in front of the Casino Building. Attendees are invited to bring coolers and s’more kits while gathering around the fire as the day comes to a close.

Each of the eight events features live music across various genres, from folk to classic rock. Guests may bring their own food and drinks, while several beachfront eateries remain open nearby.

One suggestion is to carry a flashlight or utilize your phone’s light to ensure you don’t leave anything behind on the beach.